LIBRARIES FACE AXE
3 closing to save £100k and another at risk
AT LEAST three libraries are almost certain to close as a cash-strapped council attempts to plug a £7m financial black hole over the next three years.
Anglesey council’s scrutiny committee yesterday recommended the closure of Cemaes, Newborough and Moelfre libraries in a bid to achieve around £100,000 of savings.
Rhosneigr library could also close unless a community-run model is agreed with Llanfaelog Community Council, with a January deadline put in place.
But Beaumaris, which was also on the proposed hitlist, looks set to remain open after agreement was reached with the management of the community-run Ganolfan leisure centre in the town.
Council officials had approached volunteers and community groups in the affected towns and villages in a bid to retain their libraries, which are the least visited and used on the island.
But on Monday afternoon they conceded that most of these community councils and groups were too small in number to assist in running an effective service.
Holyhead and Llangefni will now be designated as full time “area libraries”, and will be staffed by the county council for approximately 40 hours a week.
Meanwhile, Amlwch, Benllech and Menai Bridge libraries will be open for 20 hours a week, staffed by the council with the possibility of community support.
If negotiations succeed, Beaumaris and Rhosneigr would open for between 10 and 12 hours a week, but responsibility for the buildings would be transferred to local groups.
Earlier this month, council leader Llinos Medi warned that islanders should prepare themselves for a council tax increase of between 4% and 5%, following more cuts in the annual block grant from Cardiff Bay.
Portfolio holder Cllr Meirion Jones told the meeting of the council’s corporate scrutiny committee that two separate consultations have taken place in the affected communities, adding that almost 3,000 people had taken part.
But reassurances were sought that all efforts have been made to save these libraries from closure.
Twrcelyn member Cllr Richard Griffiths said: “Have we gone the extra mile and turned every stone to try and save Cemaes and other libraries?
“Can you give me assurances that residents of Cemaes are aware their local facility is in danger of closure?”
But head of learning Delyth Molyneux said that, even after any closure, they would be open to further talks which could see services resurrected if a suitable group came forward.
She also added that the response in some communities in turning out to consultation meetings had been “disappointing”, despite 44% of respondents saying that they would stop using the library service if their local facility were to shut.
Members approved the recommendation, proposed by Cllr Richard Griffiths, by six votes to one.
The final decision will now be made by the council’s executive.